Exploring LA’s Black Restaurant Week: Rhonda Dennis’ Culinary Journey and Resilience

Rhonda Dennis was ready to leave her corporate job. After 20 years in the field, she felt a change was necessary. Despite the decent benefits, including six weeks of paid vacation, Dennis decided to pursue her passion for cooking. This bold move led to the creation of R & R Breakfast Spot in Chino. With no professional kitchen experience outside of cooking for her family, Dennis embarked on this new journey with determination and hope.

By January 2020, R & R Breakfast Spot was ready for business. However, the onset of the global pandemic in March 2020 brought unforeseen challenges. The coronavirus closures shuttered thousands of restaurants nationwide, directly impacting Dennis’ family business. Within weeks, Dennis’ father tragically lost his life to Covid-19. “It was really hard for us,” Dennis said. “We closed until we got the first PPE loan, and we closed for a day when my dad died. I miss him terribly, but this restaurant is an homage to him.”

A chicken and fish platter with waffles, mac & cheese, and cheese grits is one of the many delightful offerings at R & R Breakfast Spot, reflecting the rich culinary heritage and personal memories that Dennis cherishes.

Black Restaurant Week: A Beacon of Hope

Black Restaurant Week, running from August 23 through September 1, is reinvigorating the local dining scene in Los Angeles and surrounding regions. This initiative is not just about promoting restaurants; it’s about celebrating resilience, culture, and community. The event aims to support Black-owned businesses that have faced significant hardships during the pandemic.

The importance of this event cannot be overstated. It provides a platform for restaurateurs like Rhonda Dennis to showcase their culinary talents and share their stories of perseverance. The week-long celebration includes various events, promotions, and special menus, drawing attention to the unique flavors and experiences that these establishments offer.

Shake Shack’s Drive-Thru Debut in California

In a significant development for fast-food enthusiasts, Shake Shack is set to open its first drive-thru in California on August 15 in Torrance. Located at 1875 W. 190th St., near the 405 Freeway, this standalone restaurant will feature two drive-thru lanes with digital menu boards, a two-lane ordering system, and a separate pick-up window.

The new drive-thru will host a food drive benefiting New Challenge Ministries on opening day. In addition to collecting cans from customers, $1 from each sandwich sold will go to the food bank. Shake Shack, known for its burgers, crinkle-cut fries, and hand-spun shakes, was founded in Manhattan in 2004 and now boasts over 350 locations in the United States and 190 international locations. The Torrance restaurant will be its 39th drive-thru nationally and 49th location in California.

Taco Bell’s Nostalgic Menu Revival

Taco Bell is bringing back some of its iconic menu items from decades past, but only at three locations in Orange County for now. Starting August 15, the Irvine-based fast food giant will test a menu featuring its “most mouth-watering, iconic hits through the decades” with the goal of a nationwide release later this year.

The tests will be conducted at the following locations:
– Brea: 303 W. Imperial Highway, August 15-21.
– Fullerton: 131 E. Orangethorpe Ave., August 15-19.
– Irvine: 2222 Barranca Parkway, August 15-21.

The nostalgic menu includes:
– The Tostada from the 1960s: Featuring refried beans, lettuce, cheese, and red sauce on a crispy shell, priced at $2.19.
– The Green Burrito from the 1970s: Beans, cheese, onions, and green sauce, priced at $2.49.
– The Meximelt from the 1980s: A flour tortilla stuffed with beef, three cheeses, and pico de gallo, priced at $2.99.
– The Beef Gordita Supreme from the 1990s: Beef, reduced-fat sour cream, lettuce, tomatoes, and three cheeses in warm flatbread, priced at $2.99.
– The Caramel Apple Empanada from the 2000s: Apple and a creamy caramel-flavored filling in a crispy shell, priced at $2.99.

These items will feature their original recipes, bringing a wave of nostalgia to Taco Bell fans.

Our Advice on the City

For those planning to visit Los Angeles during Black Restaurant Week, we recommend exploring the diverse culinary landscape the city has to offer. Start your day with a hearty breakfast at R & R Breakfast Spot in Chino, where you can savor dishes like the chicken and fish platter with waffles, mac & cheese, and cheese grits. This will not only give you a taste of the local cuisine but also support a family-owned business that has shown remarkable resilience.

For expert travelers, consider timing your visit to coincide with the opening of Shake Shack’s new drive-thru in Torrance. This will allow you to experience the latest addition to California’s fast-food scene while contributing to a good cause. Additionally, don’t miss the opportunity to try Taco Bell’s nostalgic menu items in Orange County, offering a unique culinary journey through the decades.

In conclusion, Los Angeles is a city that thrives on diversity and innovation, especially in its culinary scene. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, there’s always something new and exciting to discover. So, take a moment to savor the flavors, support local businesses, and immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry that makes LA truly unique.